-
Fun Things to do in Yokohama, Japan
Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan right after Tokyo. Yokohama is very accessible from Tokyo and a quick 30-minute train ride from Haneda Airport. For such a large city, Yokohama is very walkable and easy to navigate. Chinatown is a must when visiting Yokohama, there are also many museums that are worthwhile to include the Cup Noodle, Ramen, and Japan Coast Guard Museums. We spent 3 days in Yokohama and barely scratched the surface. None the less, we explored a ton and here are some fun things to do in Yokohama. Getting to Yokohama from Haneda Getting to Yokohama from Haneda Airport is a breeze. I recommend using…
-
Temples, a Pagoda, and Japan’s Tallest Waterfall at Nachisan Seiganto-ji
One of Japan’s most picturesque temples, Nachisan Seiganto-ji is a temple complex with a gorgeous 3-storied Pagoda in the foreground of Nachi Falls. Nachi Falls is considered to be Japan’s tallest waterfall at 133 meters. Seiganto-ji is one out of 33 temples and places that make up the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, visitors can take the pilgrimage and walk to all the temples and sites along the route. If you don’t have days to hike and want to just see Nachisan Seiganto-ji, it makes for a great half day to full day trip. Nachisan Seiganto-ji on a Map and…
-
Best Things to do in Ise, Japan
Ise is not really on anyone’s radar when visiting the country of Japan. Ise is isolated and does take some effort and planning to get to. With all of the other beautiful towns throughout Japan, why should visitors go to Ise? Simple, Ise is home to the most sacred Shinto Shrines in all of Japan. The Ise Grand Shrine consists of two shrines Geku and Naiku. The shrines are separated and each surrounded by ancient forests with towering cypress trees. But the Ise Grand Shrine isn’t the only attraction in Ise that is worth exploring. Ise is home to a historic town with beautiful streets, the famed Wedded Rocks of…
-
Train Travel in Japan – General Information and Tips
Train travel in Japan🚊🇯🇵 is perhaps the best way to explore this beautiful country. Japan is well connected by rail and traveling by train in Japan is relatively stress free. The Shinkansen or “Bullet Train” is regarded as one of the world’s fastest trains and is a remarkable experience. There are many other modes of train transportation throughout Japan that can get you from one city to the next. For visitors traveling to Japan for a week or longer, it’s worth looking into the Japan Rail Pass, or for those like me that live here, getting a prepaid IC card 💳 is a must. Whether you are a first time visitor…
-
5 Lesser-Known Temples in Kyoto
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most beautiful cities. Kyoto is historical, cultural, and the most popular city to visit within Japan after Tokyo. But what makes Kyoto so popular amongst the tourists both within and beyond Japan? Is it the food? The nature? Or the temples and historical buildings such as Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. My guess is the latter. This cultural capital has many hidden and lesser known temples that are tucked away in neighborhoods, located in mountainous areas, or in places that are more difficult to get to. These 5 lesser known temples in Kyoto offer visitors a chance to escape the busy crowds at some…
-
Visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
If you are interested in seeing the Japanese Macaques but don’t have the time to wander around the wilderness looking for them, then I’d recommend visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama in Kyoto. Everyone is familiar with the famous snow monkeys soaking it up in the hot springs in Nagano Prefecture. But visiting the snow monkeys there can be time consuming and you have to be there during the appropriate season. Arashiyama Monkey Park is open all year long and is easily accessible, especially if visitors are already in Kyoto. From Arashiyama Station, it’s a quick walk to the park. Visitors can then hike to the top of the mountain and be…
-
Visiting the Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area is a name given to Japan’s first World Cultural Heritage Site. These sites were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area consists of several temples and sites at Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji in the town of Ikaruga in Nara Prefecture. Some of the buildings and structures at Horyu-ji are considered to be the world’s oldest wooden structures and are more then 1,300 years old. Getting to Hoyryu-ji and Hokki-ji Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji are not exactly well known tourist attractions in Japan. It does take a little bit of planning to visit these temples. The Buddhist Monuments…
-
What to Know about Okinawa’s Shisa: The Guardian Lions
This is post 15 of 18 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Zamami Island, Okinawa Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves Okinawa Night Hike,…
-
Our Favorite Restaurants in Iwakuni
This is post 5 of 5 in the series “Guide to Iwakuni, Japan” Iwakuni is not on everyone’s radar when visiting Japan. After all, it’s far from the typical places tourists visit like Kyoto and Tokyo. But Iwakuni is easily accessible from Hiroshima and deserves a visit. Iwakuni has one of Japan’s prettiest historical bridges at the foot of the mountain where Iwakuni Castle sits upon. For a city of its size, Iwakuni has a lot to offer. Check out the Kintai Bridge, learn about the famous White Snakes, and try some local cuisine. Iwakuni’s location makes it a popular outdoor destination. Surrounded by both mountains and oceans, there are…
-
8 Recommended Hiking Trails Near Iwakuni
This is post 4 of 5 in the series “Guide to Iwakuni, Japan” Iwakuni is not on everyone’s radar when visiting Japan. After all, it’s far from the typical places tourists visit like Kyoto and Tokyo. But Iwakuni is easily accessible from Hiroshima and deserves a visit. Iwakuni has one of Japan’s prettiest historical bridges at the foot of the mountain where Iwakuni Castle sits upon. For a city of its size, Iwakuni has a lot to offer. Check out the Kintai Bridge, learn about the famous White Snakes, and try some local cuisine. Iwakuni’s location makes it a popular outdoor destination. Surrounded by both mountains and oceans, there are…
